Stopping runaway climate change is possible if we invest in countryside solutions, says CPRE

Commenting on the launch of the Climate Change Committee’s Sixth Carbon Budget, Crispin Truman, chief executive of CPRE, the countryside charity, said:

‘Stopping the climate emergency runaway train is possible if we use all the solutions at our fingertips right now. Today's report from the Climate Change Committee (CCC) is absolutely clear – nature-based solutions such as planting trees and restoring peatlands can lower the costs and multiply the returns from cutting carbon emissions. Not only do they hold the key to swifter climate action now, they offer other important benefits including preventing floods, cleaning up our air and water, improving treasured landscapes and inviting wildlife back to our countryside.

‘Thinking has clearly shifted on peatlands: we welcome the strengthened ambition from the CCC and join them in calling for all upland peat to be restored and most lowland peat to be rewetted and sustainably managed by 2050. The upcoming England Tree and Peat Strategies will be key tests of the government’s willingness to act with real ambition.

‘The writing is on the wall for the government. It’s time for ministers to show bold leadership and deliver deeper, faster cuts to our carbon emissions before 2030 with the countryside and nature-based solutions at the fore. It’s time to get back on track to tackle the climate emergency head on.’